Ability to apply organizational theory to criminal justice management.
Objective
Demonstrate Integration Of Principles
Students completing the Master of Science degree in Security Studies will demonstrate the ability to integrate principles of organizational theory in addressing issues related to the area of public administration, specifically as it relates to criminal justice management.
Indicator
Research Paper Scoring Methodology
A consistent faculty-developed scoring methodology will be applied to research papers submitted for CJ 530 - Critical Analysis of Criminal Justice Administration. The research paper will demonstrate application of organizational theory principles taught in a number of courses.
Criterion
At Least 80% Of Students Will Score
At least 80% of students will be assessed as "satisfactory" or better.
Finding
81% Students Scored Better Than Satisfactory
81% of the students taking the MS in Security Studies capstone course received better than a ‘satisfactory’ performance rating. These students demonstrated the capability to integrate principles of organizational theory and apply their knowledge from their two year security studies program into a semester long project that not only required an extensive literature review but application of an assessment of that knowledge into a particular aspect of security or public administration.
Action
Additional Concentrated Instruction And Change In Curriculum
Although the criterion of 80% of students meeting the objective was achieved, there remains work to do to in order that all students perform in a greater than satisfactory manner. Actions to achieve this goal will be to provide additional one on one instruction and coursework in writing, analysis and research techniques. Moreover, the MS in security studies curriculum is currently being revised to reflect an emphasis on Homeland Security and related subjects rather than a curriculum that overlaps criminal justice oriented programs.
Goal
Integration Of Research Design
Integration of research design associated with conducting program evaluation.
Objective
Integrate Research Elements For Program Evaluation
Upon completion of courses related to research methods and quantitative analysis, computer/technology applications, and program evaluation for criminal justice management, students will be able to design an effective program evaluation.
Indicator
Program Evaluation Research Design Rubric
A faculty-developed rubric will be used to evaluate the research design, quantitative analysis, and technology use associated with program evaluation.
Criterion
80% Of Students Will Score Satisfactory Or Better
At least 80% of students will score satisfactory on the Program Evaluation Research Design Rubric.
Finding
82% Of Students Performed In Satisfactory Manner
82% of the students who completed coursework in research methods and/or analysis were deemed to perform in a satisfactory manner or better. In addition to the quantitative aspects of research methods, students were introduced to an evaluation process that introduced cognitive bias as multiple means of influencing evaluations or situation assessments. With respect to program evaluation, students were required to provide a narrative of their experiences during the past two years and their analysis of the security studies curriculum. Unfortunately, students had difficulties developing an evaluation matrix. Nevertheless, student comments figured prominently in formulating curriculum development of the Security Studies program as decisions were made to provide additional program content directly applicable to real world situations.
Action
Develop Coursework
More emphasis will be placed on developing coursework directly related to critical thinking, cyber security and data assessment. To this end, newly approved coursework such as a course in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Crime Analysis and supplemental courses such as Cyber Security, Digital Forensics Investigations and GIS (geographic information systems) will afford students options to expand beyond their basic core knowledge into areas of greater individual interest